DESCRIPTION:
The MiG-25 was developed in response to the US decision to start development of the
B-70 bomber and A-12 attack plane. Both
platforms were designed to deliver nuclear weapons to the Soviet Union while traveling at Mach 3 at
altitudes over 70,000 ft. Fearing the inadequacy of existing air defense systems, the Soviets planned a
new high-speed, high-altitude interceptor. Though the B-70 project was eventually abandoned, the MiG-25
program continued and eventually produced the fastest fighter in the world.

The MiG-25 is designed only for high-altitude flight and has correspondingly terrible low-level performance
and dogfighting characteristics. Although reconnaissance and defense suppression variants of the MiG-25
were developed, the aircraft's range of applications has always been limited. As a result, Mikoyan
Gurevich later designed an improved MiG-25, the MiG-31, with significantly better
low-level performance for use in more common attack fighter roles.

Most Russian MiG-25s have since been retired in favor of the MiG-31, though the earlier aircraft still
serves with a number of other air forces. A total of 1,190 examples of the MiG-25 were built before
production ended in 1984, and about 217 were still in service by 2004. These included interceptor,
reconnaissance, and trainer models mostly used by Russia and former Soviet states. Despite their age and
outdated electronics, the MiG-25 remains a formidable opponent. The only air-to-air kill achieved by Iraq
during Operation Desert Storm came when an Iraqi MiG-25 pilot shot down an F/A-18C
Hornet of the US Navy on 17 January 1991.

Improved reconnaissance-bomber model based on the MiG-25RB but equipped with different cameras and new
electronic intelligence equipment

MiG-25RBS 'Foxbat-D'

Subvariant of the MiG-25RB with a different sensor suite

MiG-25RBSh 'Foxbat-D'

Upgraded model of the MiG-25RBS capable of carrying air-to-surface missiles

MiG-25RBF 'Foxbat-D'

MiG-25RB models rebuilt with new panoramic camera equipment

MiG-25PD 'Foxbat-E'

Improved interceptor based on the MiG-25P but with upgraded engines and a new radar, in production from
1978 to 1982

MiG-25PDS 'Foxbat-E'

MiG-25P airframes modified to the MiG-25E standard between 1979 and 1984, about 370 rebuilt

MiG-25BM 'Foxbat-F'

Defense supression model based on the MiG-25RB but with a lengthened nose, new ECM equipment in place of
the recon module, and armed with Kh-58 anti-radiation missiles for use against SAM sites

Ye-133

Single MiG-25PU redesignated for test flight purposes

Ye-155M

Test aircraft used to explore improvements to the MiG-25 design, including more powerful engines, larger
fuel capacity, and new structural materials, many of which were incorporated into the MiG-31

Ye-155MP

Test aircraft used to develop digital electronics, more powerful radar, and integration of new missiles,
also included a second cockpit for a navigator/tactical officer and in-flight refueling equipment; served
as the prototype for the MiG-31

Ye-266

Stripped-down MiG-25 prototype used to set several speed and altitude records from 1965 to 1967

Ye-266M

Designation used for the Ye-155M to set new speed and altitude records in 1975, as the Ye-266 had done
previously